Zori style shoes with bird in flight inserts

ABSTRACT

Zori style fashion shoes which hold a decorative insert. The zori straps are tubular in nature, with a transparent upper surface. An opening between the right and left straps enables the insertion of a decorative insert. A one piece decorative insert extends into the right strap and the left strap. The wearer of the shoe can remove and replace an insert with another of a different design. A transparent hook like tongue may extend from one strap to another, to protect the insert from soiling. Optionally, the straps may have a springy section of material applied at the end near the arch section of the shoe.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to the following applications: application Ser. No. 12/454,976 of Marcella Miriam Katz, filed Feb. 10, 2009, titled: “Women's Shoes, Including Sandals, With Interchangeable Fashion Inserts”, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,658 on May 15, 2012; U.S. application Ser. No. 13/506,158 of Marcella Miriam Katz, filed Mar. 30, 2012, titled: “Women's Shoes With Lift-Off Top Showcase For Interchangeable Fashion Inserts”, which is currently pending; U.S. application Ser. No. 13/506,831 of Marcella Miriam Katz, filed May 17, 2012, titled: “Women's Shoes With Detachable Pouch or Showcase For Interchangeable Fashion Inserts”, which is currently pending; and International Application No. PCT/US2012/000363 of Marcella Katz, filed Aug. 20, 2012, titled: “Shoes With A Fashion Design Mounting Base Material For Use With Interchangeable Fashion Design Attachments”, which is currently pending.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to fashion shoes, particularly shoes of a zori style, which may be worn by men, women, and children. More particularly, the invention relates to zori style shoes where the straps through which the foot is placed can be altered in decorative appearance so that the wearer of the shoes and sandals can make a selective change in the appearance of the shoes to support a current fashion trend or to make a personal interest statement.

2. Background Art

This section describes background subject matter related to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. There is no intention, either express or implied, that the background art discussed in this section legally constitutes prior art.

There have been numerous inventions related to shoe designs and utility features, and these inventions can be found in U.S. and foreign patent records. The present application is related to zori style shoes. A zori style shoe is a Japanese inspired sandal, and applicants are providing examples of related art; for purposes of familiarization, and to provide general background. The related art is not represented to be all inclusive. Applicant has made an effort to find related art, to help avoid spending time and money attempting to obtain a patent which is unattainable due to prior disclosure. However, the exhaustion of every possible source of information is prohibitively expensive.

In addition to applicants' own inventions, referenced above, there have been a number of shoe designs which have made use of a transparent pocket placed against a supportive, exterior surface of a shoe, to permit the placement of an insert bearing a design or a message at that location on the shoe. Beginning with some older examples and progressing toward the present invention, examples of a portion of such shoes include the following, which are not intended to be a complete listing of related subject matter.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,416 to Danny Lin, issued on Sep. 16, 1986, describes an athletic shoe having a quarter portion extending forwardly and on either side of the longitudinal center line of the shoe, and outer material covering portions thereof providing a window in the covering and an access opening into the space between the quarter portion and the outer material. (Abstract) The shoe illustrated is a tennis shoe having a pocket for displaying a pattern, such as initials, on one side of the shoe. U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,131 to Paul Rondini relates to strapped footwear with decorative lighting. The decorative lighting is fully encased in transparent tubing providing multi functional footwear for a variety of occasions including leisure and nightclubs. The footwear has a battery, with the lights encased in a transparent tubing connecting to a battery timed switch for flashing the lights. The combination pliable strap for fixing the foot to the footwear and decorative lighting cover can be employed in a variety of configurations to construct a wide diversity of footwear. (Abstract) U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,795 to Iverson et al., issued Nov. 29, 1994 relates to a shoe and a method of forming the same having an upper portion which includes an individualized indicia display area in any one or more of the side quarter panel, tongue, or heel portion of the upper portion of the shoe. (Abstract)

U.S. Pat. No. 6,769,204 to Phillips, issued Aug. 3, 2004, relates to a sandal system comprising a sole. The sole has top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface has a periphery and a heel portion. A foot retaining strap is provided. The strap has ends coupled to the sole. A central extent is provided between the ends. Top and bottom faces are provided. A first hook and loop fastener is provided. The hook and loop fastener has an upper side and a lower side coupled with the top face of the strap. Finally, a decorative ribbon is provided. The ribbon has an upper plane adapted to have decorations and a lower plane having a second hook and loop fastener being adapted to releasably couple with the upper side of the first hook and loop fastener. The first and second hook and loop fasteners are essentially coextensive in size (Abstract). U.S. Pat. No. 6,904,706 B2 to Jones et al., issued Jun. 14, 2005, relates to footwear in the category of a sandal, which may include a thong, slide-on, clog, or related structured sandal, wherein one side or the other of a tongue, upper vamp, or sandal strap may be adhered to an upper part of the sandal sole, or its vamp or cross strap, so that one side of the sandal strap structure may be displayed during its wearing, and can be turned to expose its opposite surface for varying the styling of the worn sandal. The tongue, upper vamp, or strap may be secured by a fastening device such as a swivel, that allows for turning of these components to expose a selected surface in order to vary the aesthetics and appearance of the worn sandal. (Abstract).

U.S. Pat. No. 7,421,806 B2 to Braynock et al., issued Sep. 9, 2008, relates to a footwear system that is comprised of a pair of footwear with at least one transparent, semi-transparent or translucent special display area(s) (SDA) and system innerliners. The system of innerliners can be comprised of either at least two user interchangeable pairs of innerliner or a single pair of innerliners that can provide multiple combined appearances from the footwear. (Abstract) In reviewing the drawings, it becomes clear the innerliners are typically in the form of sox, and a pattern on the sox shows through semi-transparent or translucent display areas which are present on each of the two footwear (shoes). U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,008 B2 to Lusk, issued Jan. 27, 2009, relates to a “Tiger Lilly Style” ladies thong sandal that has interchangeable parts so that the appearance and style of the sandal can be changed. (Abstract) The thong straps of the sandal are formed from a receptive clear plastic sleeve, where each sleeve will receive an exchangeable strip. At the junction where the right plastic sleeve meets the left side plastic sleeve, an accessory may be clipped in place on a tab snap. There is no description of how the thong straps of the sandal are held to the sole of the shoe. U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,084 B2 to Roland C. Santa Ana, issued Sep. 22, 2009, describes and claims an article of footwear having an outer sole that houses a removable inner sole. Various types of footwear elements can be inserted into/over the outer sole, allowing conversion of the footwear into a sports, formal, sandal, water, slipper, dress, ornamented shoe or other footwear. (Abstract) The article of footwear includes three inner soles or independent articles of footwear used simultaneously in combination with the outer sole of unitary construction. While it is a little difficult to conceive of a single shoe which makes use of all 4 elements simultaneously (outer plus three inner) soles, this is what claim 1 indicates is the case.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,286,373 B2 to Jones et al., issued Oct. 16, 2012 relates to footwear with a banding device. The banding device is for application to a segment of footwear, whether it be to a heel, sole, around the vamp portion of the shoe, in any combination thereof, which, due to its elasticity allows for stretching into position to be secured either as an endless of continuous loop, for application to these components of the shoe to vary the coloration, design indicia, trademark, or aesthetics for the footwear. (Abstract)

Upon reading the above descriptions, it becomes apparent that there is a high degree of interest in a shoe which allows the wearer to personalize the appearance of a shoe. The present inventive shoe may be used for a similar purpose; however, the present inventive shoe provides a streamlined design which both emphasizes and enables a stable decorative display.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shoe which includes two straps, each of which acts as a sleeve with a transparent upper surface through which a decorative element may be inserted. In the present inventive embodiment, one of the straps is attached at one end in an area of the sole near the left outside edge adjacent where the arch of a foot is present, while the other end is attached via an extension to the central forefoot area of the shoe where the digits of a foot will reside. The second of the two straps is attached at one end in an area of the sole near the right outside edge adjacent where the arch of a foot is present, while the other end is attached via an extension to the same central forefoot area of the shoe. Typically, but not necessarily, there may be a strip of springy, elastic material present between the edge of a strap and the sole area of the shoe where the straps are attached at the outside edge of a shoe. The two straps are joined together in the central forefoot area of the shoe in a manner such that the back side of the central area transforms into a single solid strap-like structure which is attached to a portion of the sole in the forefoot portion of the shoe, while the front side of the central area where the two straps are joined transitions from the straps into a single opening between the two straps. A single insert structure, referred to herein as a “bird in flight” insert, includes two arms (wings), and the insert structure is inserted into the opening, with one wing extending toward a right side of a shoe, and the other end extending toward a left side of the shoe, each within a sleeve which makes up one of the straps with the transparent upper surface. By pinching the apex between the two wings of the “bird in flight” insert, each wing can be edged into and inched forward into its strap location simultaneously until the insert wings are fully backed into the desired location on each side of the shoe. Optionally, but typically, there is a hook latch tongue which extends from one strap/sleeve of the shoe, across the opening to the other strap/sleeve of the shoe, to assist in holding an insert in place, reduce gaping between the two strap/sleeves, and protect the insert from soiling.

There is only one opening location on each shoe into which an insert is placed. However, the insert may be seen by anyone looking downward at the shoe from the front of the shoe or the side of the shoe. The insert is easy to insert or remove. With this in mind, it becomes apparent how different applicant's invention is from the other inventive shoe designs described above.

Previous shoe designs by the present inventor permit the use of an interchangeable fashion design insert within a display pouch or showcase of a woman's shoe, where the pouch or showcase is directly or indirectly attached to an ankle strap at one end and to at least one strap in the toe area of the shoe. This design permits the showcase with insert to ride along a centerline of the shoe, above the majority of foot action which occurs at the ball and the arch of a foot.

The present invention is a new design which also permits insertion of a decorative insert for viewing, and ensures that an insert placed in the holding location will not ride up or protrude from an opening through which the insert is placed and removed, due to the wearer walking in the shoe. However, in the present invention embodiments, the decorative insert does not ride along a centerline of the shoe, where the majority of the foot action occurs. Instead, the decorative insert rides across the upper surface of the foot in the area between the ball of the foot and the arch of the foot, where the majority of foot action occurs. The insert is held in place due to relatively balanced forces acting on the right and left side of each shoe. Further, the areas along the outside edges of the straps are closed. Depending on the insert design, there may be no need for any closure element to maintain the insert in place. However, in instances where the insert does not extend across the entire area of the strap/sleeves, or the insert is particularly heavy or bulky, for example but not by way of limitation, it may be advisable to use the hook latch tongue described above to assist in holding the insert in place.

A Zori is defined in the on-line dictionary Wikipedia as a flat and thonged Japanese sandal made of rice, straw or other plant fibers, cloth, laquered wood, leather, rubber, or—increasingly—synthetic materials. Zori are said to be quite similar to flip-flops, which first appeared in New Zealand and the United States sometime around World War II, as rubber imitations of the wooden thong sandals long worn in Japan.

The present invention relates to a shoe which makes use of the zori-style straps to attach the shoe to the foot of the wearer. However, as discussed above, the two straps which make up the thonged portion of the shoe comprise a transparent pouch within each strap, where each strap pouch is open to the insertion of a design insert. The insert is a single insert, where one end of the insert is inserted into one strap pouch while the other end of the insert is inserted into the other strap pouch. The insert travels across the entire width of the foot, with the center of the insert typically being present along the centerline of the sole of the shoe. This provides a continuous decorative or informative fashion design across the entire front surface of the thonged portion (straps) of the shoe. As discussed above, due to the shape and location of the transparent pouch, the insert remains stationary while the wearer walks in the shoe.

The sole of the shoe need not, but may be, flat to provide a sandal, as in a traditional zori. In other embodiments, the sole may include a raised heel, which may extend from a low heel to the height of a stiletto-style heel. The heel of the shoe may be present only in the heel area of the foot, may be in the form of a wedge, or may be in the form of a stiletto-style heel. As the surface area and the height of the heel increases, the width of the straps which make up the thonged portion of the shoe is typically increased to accommodate increased weight of the shoe and make greater surface contact with the foot of the wearer, so that the shoe tends to stay on the foot better when the wearer is walking. This general principal relating the width of the straps to the materials of construction and a sole configuration of a shoe, which affects the weight and balance of the shoe, should be applied in general. Of course the wider straps may be used to accommodate wider inserts for decorative purposes even when the shoe is a sandal and does not require the increased strap width to support the shoe on the foot.

The insert which is frequently used across the entire front surface of the thonged portion of the shoe, but may be used to cover only a portion of the front surface of the thonged portion of the shoe, is referred to as a “bird-in-flight” because it bends at the center, adjacent to the location between the big toe and another digit. The thonged portion of the shoe works in combination with an extension downward from the thonged portion, where the extension is attached to the base of the shoe. An insert extends outward into the strap pouch on each side of the shoe, like the wings of a bird extend when the bird is in flight. The insert comprises at least one continuous layer which can be inserted into the side straps from a center opening between the straps by inserting the two ends of the insert such that each end of the insert enters into one of the two straps. The insert is fabricated to exhibit some “spring” or “shape memory”, so that the insert will move deeper into the pouch straps when pressure is applied at the center area of the insert. Pressure may be applied and re-applied to the center of the insert to cause the insert to move into the desired location. The insert can be removed by grasping the center of the insert with the fingers or with a simple tool such as a tweezers and pulling.

In one embodiment of the shoe, a transparent hook-like latch tongue extends from one side of the upper transparent surface of one of the straps, to extend through the single opening between the two straps and into a like-shaped configuration in the other strap. This provides a more finished look, while the insert is protected from becoming soiled. However, it is not required that the hook-like latch tongue be present to hold a decorative insert inside the strap pouches, since the friction which is created between the display pouch strap and the insert over the length of the insert is adequate to maintain location of the insert while the wearer of the shoes is walking.

In one embodiment of the invention, the upper portion of the shoe may be mounted on a shoe sole which is designed for athletic performance. The sole of the shoe may be similar to that of a shoe designed to improve performance of athletes, such as a tennis shoe sole of the kind currently known in the industry. The upper portion (straps) of the zori-style shoe may be attached to the sole using an injection molding process or other plastic and rubber processing method known in the art. The upper portion of the zori-style shoe may be secured between an upper insole and the bottom sole of the shoe using means currently known in the art for restraining straps at various locations upon a shoe, such as a hand sewn whip stitch, or by an injection molding process by way of example and not by way of limitation.

In one embodiment of the shoe, each strap may be formed from a one piece origami style pattern of material which is folded and then glued or stitched to form a tubular-shaped envelope. In an alternative embodiment, the straps may be formed from flattened extruded or blown tubes of material, for example and not by way of limitation. As previously mentioned, the straps of the shoe are frequently totally transparent; however, it is also possible to use a co-extruded (or otherwise formed using techniques known in the art of tube manufacture) flat straps where the bottom of the strap comprises a color, a texture, a pattern, or a combination thereof, while the upper portion of the strap is transparent, for display of the bird in flight insert.

In another embodiment, the pouch may be an integrated structure, where each strap is formed from a transparent layer used in combination with at least one trim/back surface-forming layer which is attached to the transparent layer. The attachment may be by stitching, adhesive, heat welding, or other method known in the art. The trim/back layer may be a layer of leather, fabric, plasticized metal, or any other material which will meet the functional requirements of the shoe. At least one of the trim/back surface-forming layers may include an extension which is applied over the center surface area of the zori area to make a strong link between the back portion of the two individual zori straps. At least one of the transparent upper surface portion of a strap may also include an extension which makes a strong link across the center surface of the individual zori straps, to provide better mechanical performance, protect the insert from being soiled, and provide a more finished appearance for the shoe. The trim/back surface-forming bottom layer of a strap may be extended sufficiently over the upper surface into the transparent display region to form a frame around portions of the edge of the transparent layer.

The single piece insert to be placed in the zori straps may be reversible, and coordinating inserts of color, imprint design matching in color, imprint design matching clothing design, and the like may be used, for example. Like the tubular zori straps, the insert may be an injection molded or laminated material. In the case of a laminated material, a fragile decorative material may be laminated using known in the art laminating techniques. A fashion insert used in the zori strap pouches may vary in structural construction to enable the insert to work in coordination with the width and internal shape of the straps. However, in advantageous structures, there is a flexible spring-like behavior within the decorative insert, so that when the insert is bent in the center, and pressure is applied to the center, the spring action which results helps make insertion of the insert into the straps easier. To use both sides of a reversible insert, it is helpful to re-create the bend in the shaping of the insert center so that it bends in the opposite direction, to provide reverse flexibility.

One of skill in the art of plastic and elastomeric materials will recognize that the zori straps may be fabricated from a number of different materials, so that the zori straps can accommodate various shoe sole weights while flexing in a manner to provide comfort for the wearer. As mentioned above, the bottom portion of the straps may be formed from a different material than the top portion of the straps. In this manner, a stronger, more flexible bottom portion of the strap may support the shoe on the foot as the wearer is walking, while a clearer transparent portion of the strap makes viewing of the insert better.

The straps are attached to the sole of the shoe by a connecting/transitioning strap which extends downward, typically from the back side center area where the straps meet. The connecting/transitioning strap may be a folded layer of the same material as that used to fabricate the two straps, or may be a more flexible, tubular-shaped open or solid elastic material, which can be thermally welded to a center area where the straps meet, for example and not by way of limitation. In one embodiment, an elastic material, different in composition from the general portion of the connecting/transitioning strap, may be placed at a location before the transitioning strap is connected near the toe area within the sole or between an insole and the sole. This provides a springy effect in the toe area which may be singular or may compliment a springy effect which may be provided at the rear positioned area of the zori strap, which is located in the arch area of the shoe. The elasticity of the connecting strap must take into consideration the weight of the shoe sole and the stresses which will be applied by the person walking in the shoe. A dress shoe will not need to withstand stresses which must be withstood by a sports model of the shoe, and this may determine the material from which the connecting/transitioning strap is fabricated.

Various advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1A shows a top view 100 of a sandal style shoe 111, including a sole 102, and a zori style pair of straps, including individual straps 106 and 108 which hold shoe 111 upon a foot of the wearer (not shown). Individual straps 106 and 108 are each tubular in nature, where at least the portion of the tube which faces upward is transparent, so that the surface of an insert 104 placed within the tubular portion of individual straps 106 and 108 can be observed. The insert 104 is a single article which is inserted through opening 110 so that one half of the insert 104 is present in strap 106 and one half of the insert 104 is present in strap 108. The forward portion of the zori style straps is fastened to a center attachment strap 112, which is attached, using an attachment plug 114, to a forward, toe portion 103 of sole 102, to secure the straps 106 and 108 to the sole 102 of the shoe 111.

FIG. 1B shows a top/side view 130 of the sandal style shoe 111. FIG. 1B also illustrates an insole 113 overlying a bottom sole 105, where an elastic, springy extension 107 from strap 108 is secured between the insole 113 and the bottom sole 105.

FIG. 1C shows a side view 140 of the sole and heel portion of shoe 111 which is illustrated in FIG. 1A. In particular, the sole comprises an upper sole (insole) 113 which overlies a bottom sole 105. Beneath the bottom sole 105 at the back (rear) portion of the shoe is a heel 142.

FIG. 1D shows a top/side view 150 of the shoe 111, with emphasis on the central opening 110 between straps 106 and 108, with a hook latch tongue 122 and an insert 117 having one “wing” 116 which is inserted into strap 106 and another “wing” 118 which is inserted into strap 108.

FIG. 1E shows a top/side view 160 of the shoe 111, with emphasis on the insertion of an insert 117 into the straps 106 and 108, where the insert is pinched and pressed through central opening 110 into the straps, taking care to keep hook latch tongue 122 folded backward during the insertion. Once the insert 117 has been inserted, it takes the form of an insert 104, present within the straps of shoe 111, as illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows a three dimensional view 200 of one embodiment of a template/pattern for fabrication of a pair of straps which may be used for a left shoe (not shown). The centerline of the straps template is represented by line 202. The longer strap 216, has a centerline 206, and section 220 is folded over section 214 to form strap 216. The shorter strap 218, has a centerline 204, and section 222 is folded over section 212 to form strap 218. An optional hook latch tongue 122 is also illustrated.

FIG. 2B shows a front view 230 of the pair of straps 216 and 218 after the folding of the template shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B illustrates the central opening 110 which is present in the transparent upper layer which forms the pair of straps. FIG. 2B also illustrates a center extension 112 which is illustrated in FIG. 1A, and which is used to bring the central area of the pair of straps 104 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) to the sole 102 of the shoe 111 where it may be secured in place by an attachment plug 114.

FIG. 2C shows a back view 240 of the pair of straps which are shown in FIG. 2B. The back side of strap 216, is shown as 214; and the back side of strap 218 is shown as 212. Also illustrated in FIG. 2C are elastic, spring like extensions 107 which may be used to provide a more comfortable wearing shoe. Extensions 107 are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B as being secured between the insole 113 and the outer sole 105. Also illustrated in FIG. 2C is a back support section 244 which is typically used to strengthen the central area of the pair of straps 104, and to provide a connection from the pair of straps and the center extension 112 to attachment plug 114.

FIG. 3A shows a top view 300 of an insert 302A of the kind which would be inserted into a set of display straps used on a right shoe. The shorter wing 314A of the insert is present within the strap which travels across the big toe of the right foot. The longer wing 312A of the insert is present within the strap which travels across the other digits of the right foot.

FIG. 3B shows a top view 320 of an insert 302B of the kind which would be inserted into a set of display straps used on a left shoe. The shorter wing 314B of the insert is present within the strap which travels across the big toe of the left foot. The longer wing 312B travels across other digits of the left foot.

FIG. 3C shows a top view 330 of the reverse side of the FIG. 3A insert, when the insert is a reversible insert. The shorter wing 334A travels across the big toe of the right foot, and the longer wing 332A travels across the other digits of the right foot.

FIG. 3D shows a top view 340 of the reverse side of the FIG. 3B insert, when the insert is a reversible insert. The shorter wing 334B travels across the big toe of the left foot, and the longer wing 332B travels across the other digits of the left foot.

FIG. 4A shows a top view 400 of a high heeled style shoe 411, including a sole 402, and a zori style pair of straps, including individual straps 406 and 408 which hold shoe 411 upon a foot of the wearer (not shown). Individual straps 406 and 408 are each tubular in nature, where at least the portion of the tube which faces upward is transparent, so that the surface of an insert 404 placed within the tubular portion of individual straps 406 and 408 can be observed. The insert 404 is a single article which is inserted through opening 410 so that one half 416 of the insert 404 is present in strap 406 and one half 418 of the insert 404 is present in strap 408. The forward portion of the zori style straps is fastened to a center attachment strap 412, which is attached, using an attachment plug 414 (or other attachment hardware), to a forward, toe portion 403 of sole 402, to secure the straps 406 and 408 to the attachment plug 414 of the shoe 411.

FIG. 4B shows a top/side view 420 of the high heeled style shoe 411. FIG. 4B illustrates an insole 413 overlying a bottom sole 405, where bottom sole 405 includes, or is attached to a high heel 409. An elastic, spring-like extension 407 may be present between strap 418 and a point of attachment to sole 402; and/or a spring-like extension (not shown) may be present between strap 416 and sole 402. Such a spring-like extension may be secured between insole 413 and bottom sole 405, when an insole is present.

FIG. 4C shows another top/side view 440 of high heel style shoe 411, where an insert 417 is being inserted into display straps 406 and 408.

FIG. 5A shows a view 500 starting elements 502 and 504 used to form display straps, which are made from tubing, where the tubing may be completely transparent, as shown, or may have a transparent upper surface and a colored (not shown) lower surface. At least one of the two pieces of tubing, 502 or 504, typically have a hook latch section 522 attached or as an extension from an end of the tubing.

FIG. 5B shows an assembly front view 530 the tubing elements 502 and 504, after they have been assembled to form a set of straps comprising straps 518 and 516, respectively. The assembly includes an opening 510 through which an insert (not shown) may be inserted, with accompanying hook latch tongue 522 shown to be inserted through opening 510 to cover an insert once inserted. The assembly also comprises an extension 412 and attachment structure 414 (as shown in FIG. 4C).

FIG. 5C shows an assembly back view 540, illustrating a connecting section 544 which is used to fasten straps 512 and 514 together, while providing a spacer between the straps 512 and 514 which permits an open area 510 to be present on the front side of the set of straps 512 and 514, as shown in FIG. 5B. The connection section 544 may be extended to form attachment extension 412 (as shown) or may be attached to an attachment extension 412, with the attachment extension 412 ending at an attachment plug 414 or other fastening device.

FIG. 6A shows a top view 600 of a wider insert 602A of the kind which would typically be inserted into a set of display straps used on a right shoe of the kind shown in FIG. 4C, for example. The shorter wing 614A of the insert is present within the strap which travels across the big toe of the right foot. The longer wing 612A of the insert is present within the strap which travels across the other digits of the right foot.

FIG. 6B shows a top view 620 of an insert 602B of the kind which would be inserted into a set of display straps used on a left shoe. The shorter wing 614B of the insert is present within the strap which travels across the big toe of the left foot. The longer wing 612B travels across other digits of the left foot.

FIG. 6C shows a top view 630 of the reverse side of the FIG. 3A insert, when the insert is a reversible insert. The shorter wing 634A travels across the big toe of the right foot, and the longer wing 632A travels across the other digits of the right foot.

FIG. 6D shows a top view 640 of the reverse side of the FIG. 6B insert, when the insert is a reversible insert. The shorter wing 634B travels across the big toe of the left foot, and the longer wing 632B travels across the other digits of the left foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Related art of the kind described in the BACKGROUND section above, describes the presence of a pouch or showcase present on an exterior surface of a shoe. A decorative insert is typically placed within the pouch or showcase for viewing when the shoes were worn. There have been numerous problems related to movement of an insert placed in the pouch or showcase, with various types of closures being used to try to prevent an insert from shifting or from exiting the pouch altogether when the shoe was walked in. In a previous patent to the present inventor, U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,658, a principal concern was the difficulty in getting a decorative insert to remain in position while the wearer of the shoe was walking. To solve this problem, the pouch or showcase is attached to a strip which is present on a shoe between an ankle strap and at least one other strap which is present in a toe area of the shoe. There is an opening at the top of the pouch for insertion of a decorative insert, or a top layer of the showcase may be lifted off for insertion of a decorative insert, and then the top layer may be replaced. The design and location of the pouch or showcase helps preserve the location of the insert while the shoes are walked in.

The present invention also relates to the placement of a decorative insert so that the insert is visible when looking at an exterior surface of a shoe. The insert is protected from damage by enclosure within a confining space and is available for viewing through a transparent area on an upper surface of the confining space. In this instance, the confining space is located directly over the walking area of the shoe where the foot flexes, which drastically increases a general problem of maintaining the insert in place.

Applicant has designed the confining space available for viewing the insert so that it spans a large portion of, if not the entire distance across an area of the shoe in which the ball of the foot and at least a portion of the arch (possibly all of the arch) are positioned; the area in which the foot flexes. The confining space available for the insert is divided into two opposing sections extending outward from the centerline of the shoe. The insert is a single insert which fills a large portion of, if not the entire available confining space. Since the insert traverses opposing sections of the confining space, the forces acting to move the insert within the confining space tend to be balanced in each of the opposing directions. As long as the insert is fabricated at least in part from a sufficiently strong material, so that it does not fracture or split in the center area between the opposing directions, the insert remains in the desired location within the confining space. In addition, to reduce the probability that the insert will exit from the confining space, the ratio of the total length of the confining space to the width of the confining space typically ranges from about 2:1 to about 20:1.

While the embodiments of the shoe which are described herein are women's shoes, because these shoes take such an extensive variety of shapes and constructions, a shoe making use of the confining space with insert may be one warn by a man, woman, or child. For example, one of skill in the art will recognize that the general designs described for sandals may be worn by men or children, and that the manufacturer of the shoe can change the general materials of construction of the shoe and the decorative design placed in the display area, so that a shoe is more applicable for the gender and age of the person who is to wear the shoe. In addition to decorative designs in general, the display area may be used to display a sporting team logo, commemorative slogan, a designer logo, or trademark, for example and not by way of limitation. Replacement or substitute inserts for the inserts sold as part of the originally-marketed shoes may be sold by the original manufacturer of the shoe, or by secondary insert manufacturers, not by way of limitation. There may be crafts enthusiasts who will make personal inserts to be substituted for the insert initially sold as part of the shoes.

FIG. 1A shows a top view 100 of a sandal style shoe 111, including a sole 102, and a zori style pair of straps, 104, including individual straps 106 and 108 which hold shoe 100 upon a foot of the wearer (not shown). Individual straps 106 and 108 are each tubular in nature, where at least the portion of the tube which faces upward is transparent, so that the surface of an insert 104 placed within the tubular portion of individual straps 106 and 108 can be observed. In FIG. 1A, the left strap 106 shows surface 116 of the insert 104, while the right strap 108 shows surface 118 of insert 104. The insert 104 is a single, continuous article which is inserted through opening 110, so that approximately one half of the insert is present in strap 106 and one half of the insert is present in strap 108. The forward portion of the zori style straps is fastened to a center attachment strap 112, which is attached to an attachment location, forward in the toes area 103 of sole 102, using an attachment plug 114 (or another configuration which performs the same function), to secure the straps 106 and 108 to the sole 102 of the shoe. The portion of the zori straps which fasten at a location 107 toward the heel of the shoe are typically secured at an interface 109 between the insole 113 and the lower sole 105, both of which are shown in FIG. 1B. The portion of the zori straps attached at the front of the shoe are attached using an extension piece 112 which is typically a tubular (or flattened tubular) shape so that it will not irritate the skin on the toes of the wearer. The extension piece 112 is attached to the sole using an attachment structure 114, referred to herein as an “attachment plug”, although the form of the attachment may vary, depending on what is convenient to the manner in which the shoe is manufactured. The attachment structure for extension piece 112 may be secured within a single piece sole, or may be secured between an upper surface insole 113, and a bottom sole 105 of the kind shown in FIG. 1B. The attachment structure 114 may vary in shape, since it may be injection molded into the sole, or attached to the sole of the shoe. In some instances, the attachment structure 114 may reside toward the bottom of the sole and have a shape such that it is difficult for the attachment structure 114 to pull through the sole of the shoe. Other methods and designs for securing straps to the sole of a shoe are generally known in the art.

FIG. 1B shows a top/side view 130 of the sandal style shoe 111. FIG. 1B illustrates an insole 113 overlying a bottom sole 105, where an elastic, springy extension 107 extending from strap 108 is secured between insole 113 and bottom sole 105. A second spring extension (not shown) may extend from strap 106 and be secured between insole 113 and sole 105. FIG. 1B also shows an attachment strap 112, which is attached using an attachment structure 114 to the sole of shoe 111, as discussed above.

FIG. 1C shows a side view 140 of the sole and heel portions of shoe 111. In particular, the sole comprises an upper sole (insole) 113 which overlies a bottom sole 105. Optionally, there may be a heel 142 beneath the bottom sole 105. There may also be a securing fixture 144 which is present between insole 113 and bottom sole 105, or beneath insole 113, or beneath bottom sole 105 (not shown), for securing strap 108 or springy extension 107, to a sole of the shoe.

FIG. 1D shows a top/side view 150 of the shoe 111, with emphasis on the central opening 110 between straps 106 and 108, with a hook latch tongue 122 and an insert 117 having one “wing” 116 which is inserted into strap 106 and another “wing” 118 which is inserted into strap 108.

FIG. 1E shows a top/side view 160 of the shoe 111, with emphasis on the insertion of the insert 117 into the straps 106 and 108, where the insert is pinched and pressed through central opening 110 into the straps, taking care to keep hook latch tongue 122 folded backward during the insertion. Subsequent to the insertion of insert 117, the hook latch tongue 122 is folded over the opening and inserted into strap 108, to close opening 110, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The insert is shown in place as insert 104 in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 2A shows a three dimensional view 200 of one embodiment of a template/pattern for fabrication of a pair of straps which may be used for a left shoe (not shown). The centerline of the straps template is represented by line 202. The longer strap 216, has a centerline 206, and section 220 is folded over section 214 to form strap 216. The shorter strap 218, has a centerline 204, and section 222 is folded over section 212 to form strap 218.

FIG. 2B shows a front view 230 of the pair of straps 216 and 218 after the folding and fastening of the elements of the template shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B illustrates the central opening 110 which is present in the transparent portion which forms the upper surface of each strap in the pair of straps. FIG. 2B also illustrates the center extension 112 which is illustrated in FIG. 1A, and which is used to bring the central area of the pair of straps (illustrated as 104 in FIG. 1A) to the sole 102 of the shoe 111 where it may be secured in place by an attachment structure (attachment plug, for example and not by way of limitation) 114.

FIG. 2C shows a back view 240 of the pair of straps 216 and 218 which are shown in FIG. 2B. The back side of strap 216, is shown as 214; and the back side of strap 218 is shown as 212 in FIG. 2C. Also illustrated in FIG. 2C are elastic, spring like extensions 107 which may be used to provide a more comfortable wearing shoe. Extensions 107 are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B as being secured between the insole 113 and the outer sole 105. Also illustrated in FIG. 2C is a back support section 244 which is typically used to provide a central area where the pair of straps 212 and 214 come together and to strengthen this area of shoe 111 (not shown). In addition, back support section 244 provides a connection from the pair of straps to a center extension 112, and may continue on to form center extension 112. Attachment structure 114 which attaches center extension 112 to the sole 102 of shoe 111 (shown in FIG. 1A) may be attached to center extension 112, or may be a continuation from center extension 112, depending on the design of the sole of shoe 111.

FIG. 3A shows a top view 300 of an insert 302A of the kind which would be inserted into a set of display straps used on a right shoe. The shorter wing 314A of the insert is present within the strap which travels across the big toe of the right foot. The longer wing 312A of the insert is present within the strap which travels across the other digits of a right foot.

FIG. 3B shows a top view 320 of an insert 302B of the kind which would be inserted into a set of display straps used on a left shoe. The shorter wing 314B of the insert is present within the strap which travels across the big toe of the left foot. The longer wing 312B travels across other digits of a left foot.

FIG. 3C shows a top view 330 of the reverse side of the FIG. 3A insert, when the insert is a reversible insert. The shorter wing 334A travels across the big toe of the right foot, and the longer wing 332A travels across the other digits of the right foot.

FIG. 3D shows a top view 340 of the reverse side of the FIG. 3B insert, when the insert is a reversible insert. The shorter wing 334 B travels across the big toe of the left foot, and the longer wing 332 B travels across the other digits of a left foot.

FIG. 4A shows a top view 400 of a high heeled style shoe 411, including a sole 402, and a zori style pair of straps which comprises individual straps 406 and 408 which hold shoe 411 upon a foot of the wearer (not shown). Individual straps 406 and 408 are each tubular in nature, where at least the portion of the tube which faces upward is transparent, so that the surface of an insert 404 placed within the tubular portion of individual straps 406 and 408 can be observed. The insert 404 is a single article which is inserted through opening 410 so that one half 416 of the insert 404 is present in strap 406 and one half 418 of the insert 404 is present in strap 408. The forward portion of the zori style straps is attached or adhered to a center attachment strap 412, which leads to an attachment structure 414 which is secured to a forward, toe portion 403 of sole 402.

FIG. 4B shows a top/side view 420 of the high heeled style shoe 411. FIG. 4B illustrates an insole 413 overlying a bottom sole 405, where bottom sole 405 includes, or is attached to a high heel 409. An elastic, spring-like extension 407 may be present between strap 418 and a point of attachment to sole 402; and/or a spring-like extension (not shown) may be present between strap 416 and sole 402. Such a spring-like extension may be secured between insole 413 and bottom sole 405, when an insole is present. FIG. 4B also illustrates opening 410 through which insert 404 has been inserted, where hook latch tongue 422 has been closed over the top of opening 410 after the insertion of insert 404, by tucking hook latch tongue 422 under the transparent portion of strap 408.

FIG. 4C shows another top/side view 440 of high heel style shoe 411, where an insert 417 is being inserted into display straps 406 and 408. A leading edge of one wing 418 and the other wing 416 of insert 417 is inserted into strap 408 and 406, respectively through opening 410. Subsequently, insert 417 is grasped or pinched using fingers or a tweezer and gently pressured and eased forward into straps 408 and 406, until the entire insert 417 is present within the display straps and is flat across center opening 410. Subsequently, hook latch 422, which was folded back during insertion of insert 417 is folded across central opening 410 and tucked under the portion of the opposing strap (408) in this instance to close opening 410, so that insert 417 will not be soiled, and so that the gap between straps 408 and 406 due to the presence of opening 410 will be minimized.

FIG. 5A shows a view 500 starting elements 502 and 504 which are made from tubing, where the tubing may be completely transparent, as shown, or may have been extruded, for example, to have a transparent upper surface and a colored (not shown) lower surface. At least one of the two pieces of tubing, 502 or 504, may have a hook latch section 522 attached or as an extension made by cutting an end of the tubing.

FIG. 5B shows an assembly front view 530 the tubing elements 502 and 504, after they have been assembled to form a set of straps which comprises straps 518 and 516, respectively. The assembly includes an opening 510 through which an insert (not shown) may be inserted, as previously described herein; with accompanying hook latch tongue 522 shown to be inserted through opening 510 to cover an insert once inserted. The assembly also comprises an extension 412 and attachment plug 414, by way of example, and not by way of limitation. The extension 412 passes through the toes of the wearer (not shown) of shoe 411, shown in FIG. 4C, for example. The attachment plug 414 secures extension 412 to a sole 402 as illustrated in FIG. 4C, for example, and not by way of limitation.

FIG. 5C shows an assembly back view 540, illustrating a connecting section 544 which is used to fasten straps 512 and 514 together, while providing a spacer between the straps 512 and 514 which permits an open area 510 to be present on the front side of the set of straps 512 and 514, as shown in FIG. 5B. The connection section 544 may be extended to form attachment extension 412 (as shown) or may be attached to an attachment extension 412, with the attachment extension 412 ending in an attachment plug 414.

FIG. 6A shows a top view 600 of a wider insert 602A of the kind which would be typically inserted into a set of display straps used on a right shoe of the kind shown in FIG. 4C, for example. The shorter wing 614A of the insert is present within the strap which travels across the big toe of the right foot. The longer wing 612A of the insert is present within the strap which travels across the other digits of the right foot.

FIG. 6B shows a top view 620 of an insert 602B of the kind which would be inserted into a set of display straps used on a left shoe. The shorter wing 614B of the insert is present within the strap which travels across the big toe of the left foot. The longer wing 612B travels across other digits of the left foot.

FIG. 6C shows a top view 630 of the reverse side of the FIG. 3A insert, when the insert is a reversible insert. The shorter wing 634A travels across the big toe of the right foot, and the longer wing 632A travels across the other digits of the right foot.

FIG. 6D shows a top view 640 of the reverse side of the FIG. 6B insert, when the insert is a reversible insert. The shorter wing 634B travels across the big toe of the left foot, and the longer wing 632B travels across the other digits of the left foot.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it is obvious that modifications and alterations of such embodiments as to form, structure and materials will occur to others skilled in the art upon their reading and understanding of this specification. It is therefore to be understood that the present invention includes all such modifications and alterations, and equivalents thereof. 

What I claim is:
 1. A shoe comprising at least one pair of straps which cross the forefoot area of said shoe, wherein each strap is in connection with an extension which is secured at a sole of said shoe at a position between which a big toe and another digit of a foot would be placed within said shoe, wherein each strap is secured at an exterior edge of said shoe in an area adjacent to a position at which an arch of a foot would be placed within said shoe, wherein each strap is in the form of a sleeve with a transparent upper surface, and wherein a decorative insert may be inserted at a central opening between said pair of straps, so that said decorative insert extends into each strap of said pair of straps.
 2. A shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein an elastic, springy section is present between an exterior edge of at least one of said straps and a point at which said at least one strap is secured to said shoe, on each shoe of a pair of shoes, to permit a stretching, spring-like action between said exterior edge of said strap and said location at which said strap is secured.
 3. A shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said central area between said pair of straps is formed from a material which is connected to said lower surface of each strap, or said central area is formed by joining together a lower surface of each strap and said upper surface of each strap has been adjusted in a manner to provide an opening where said straps meet, so that a space is present between said transparent upper surface of each strap, enabling the insertion of said decorative insert.
 4. A shoe in accordance with claim 2, wherein said central area between said pair of straps is formed from a material which is connected to said lower surface of each strap, or said central area is formed by joining together a lower surface of each strap and said upper surface of each strap has been adjusted in a manner to provide an opening where said straps meet, so that a space is present between said transparent upper surface of each strap, enabling the insertion of said decorative insert.
 5. A shoe in accordance with claim 3, where said material attached to form said central area between said pair of straps is attached to an extension which travels from said central area to said sole of said shoe where it is attached, so that said extension passes between said big toe and said another digit of a wearer of said shoe.
 6. A shoe in accordance with claim 4, where said material attached to form said central area between said pair of straps is attached to an extension which travels from said central area to said sole of said shoe where it is attached, so that said extension passes between said big toe and said another digit of a wearer of said shoe.
 7. A shoe in accordance with claim 4, wherein said material which forms said central area continues beneath said central area to form a folded or rolled extension which travels between said big toe and another digit on the foot of a wearer of said shoe, and is attached to said sole of said shoe.
 8. A shoe in accordance with claim 5, wherein said material which forms said central area continues beneath said central area to form a folded or rolled extension which travels between said big toe and another digit on the foot of a wearer of said shoe, and is attached to said sole of said shoe.
 9. A shoe in accordance with claim 2, where said extension includes an elastic, spring-like section which makes walking in said shoe more comfortable.
 10. A shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein a transparent hook-like latch tongue extends from said transparent upper surface of one of said pair of straps, and wherein said hook-like latch tongue may be inserted through into said central opening between said pair of straps toward the other strap of said pair of straps, in a manner such that said hook-like latch tongue protects said decorative insert present at said central area between said pair of straps from becoming soiled, while simultaneously reducing gapping between said transparent upper surfaces of said pair of straps.
 11. A shoe in accordance with claim 2, wherein a transparent hook-like latch tongue extends from said transparent upper surface of one of said pair of straps, and wherein said hook-like latch tongue may be inserted through into said central opening between said pair of straps toward the other strap of said pair of straps, in a manner such that said hook-like latch tongue protects said decorative insert present at said central area between said pair of straps from becoming soiled, while simultaneously reducing gapping between said transparent upper surfaces of said pair of straps.
 12. A shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein a shape of said central opening between said transparent upper surface of each strap has a decorative shape.
 13. A shoe in accordance with claim 2, wherein a shape of said central opening between said transparent upper surface of each strap has a decorative shape.
 14. A shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said extension is held within said shoe sole by a securing device present within said shoe sole.
 15. A shoe in accordance with claim 5, wherein said extension is held within said shoe sole by a securing device present within said shoe sole.
 16. A shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said sole of said shoe comprises an insole, and wherein said extension is secured between said insole and an outer sole of said sole.
 17. A shoe in accordance with claim 9, wherein said shoe sole of said shoe comprises an insole, and wherein said extension is secured between said insole and an outer sole of said shoe.
 18. A shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said sleeve which forms each strap has a lower surface which is colored.
 19. A shoe in accordance with claim 2, wherein said sleeve which forms each strap has a lower surface which is colored.
 20. A shoe in accordance with claim 18, wherein said lower surface of said strap has a width across said strap which is larger than a width of said transparent upper surface of said strap, so that said upper surface of said strap is framed by said color of said lower surface of said strap.
 21. A shoe in accordance with claim 19, wherein said lower surface of said strap has a width across said strap which is larger than a width of said transparent upper surface of said strap, so that said upper surface of said strap is framed by said color of said lower surface of said strap.
 22. A decorative insert for use in combination with a shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said insert is of sufficient length to cover a portion of said lower surface area of said straps ranging from about 50% up to the very side edges of said lower surface of said strap, and comprises a structural material which has memory, so that when force is applied to bend said insert at a center of said insert in either a forward or backward direction, said insert tends to return to its original position when said force is removed.
 23. A decorative insert for use in combination with a shoe in accordance with claim 2, wherein said insert is of sufficient length to cover a portion of said lower surface area of said straps ranging from about 50% up to the very side edges of said lower surface of said strap, and comprises a structural material which has memory, so that when force is applied to bend said insert at a center of said insert in either a forward or backward direction, said insert tends to return to its original position when said force is removed.
 24. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 22, wherein a central section of said insert may be creased by the application of a sufficient amount of force, and to remain in a creased position when said sufficient amount of force is removed.
 25. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 23, wherein a central section of said insert may be creased by the application of a sufficient amount of force, and to remain in a creased position when said sufficient amount of force is removed.
 26. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 24, wherein the direction of said creased portion may be reversed by application of a sufficient amount of force.
 27. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 25, wherein the direction of said creased portion may be reversed by application of a sufficient amount of force.
 28. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 22, wherein a different decorative design or color is present on opposite surfaces of said decorative insert, so that said insert is reversible.
 29. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 23, herein a different decorative design or color is present on opposite surfaces of said decorative insert, so that said insert is reversible.
 30. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 22, wherein said central section of said insert is designed to be grasped or pinched by fingers or a tweezer so that said decorative insert may be removed and replaced with a different decorative insert.
 31. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 23, wherein said central section of said insert is designed to be grasped or pinched by fingers or a tweezer so that said decorative insert may be removed and replaced with a different decorative insert.32
 32. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 22, wherein said insert is of sufficient length to cover a portion of said lower surface area of said straps ranging from about 50% up to the very side edges of said surface, and comprises a structural material which has memory, so that when force is applied to bend said insert at a center of said insert in either a forward or backward direction, said insert tends to return to its original position when said force is removed.
 33. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 23, wherein said insert is of sufficient length to cover a portion of said lower surface area of said straps ranging from about 50% up to the very side edges of said surface, and comprises a structural material which has memory, so that when force is applied to bend said insert at a center of said insert in either a forward or backward direction, said insert tends to return to its original position when said force is removed.
 34. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 22, wherein said insert is of sufficient length to cover a portion of said lower surface area of said straps ranging from about 50% up to the very side edges of said surface, and wherein said insert comprises a structural material at the outer portions of said insert, which structural maintains an original shape, while a central portion of said insert comprises a flexible material which may bend inward or outward relative to said central area between said pair of straps of said shoe.
 35. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 23, wherein said insert comprises a structural material at the outer portions of said insert, which structural maintains an original shape, while a central portion of said insert comprises a flexible material which may bend inward or outward relative to said central area between said pair of straps of said shoe.
 36. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 22, wherein said insert comprises a liner material which is present between patterned area of said insert or a reinforcement between layers of patterned material which make up said insert.
 37. A decorative insert in accordance with claim 23, wherein said insert comprises a liner material which is present between patterned area of said insert or a reinforcement between layers of patterned material which make up said insert. 